How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025: The Complete Guide
Learn exactly how Applicant Tracking Systems work and discover proven strategies to ensure your resume passes automated screening every time.
What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. Before a human ever sees your resume, it typically passes through an ATS that scans, parses, and ranks candidates based on how well their resumes match the job requirements.
Here's the sobering reality: up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a recruiter ever sees them. That's not because those candidates aren't qualified—it's because their resumes aren't optimized for these systems.
How ATS Systems Actually Work
Understanding how ATS software operates is the first step to beating it:
1. Parsing Your Resume
The ATS extracts information from your resume and organizes it into categories:- Contact information
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
2. Keyword Matching
The system compares your resume against the job description, looking for:- Exact keyword matches
- Related terms and synonyms
- Required qualifications
- Years of experience
3. Ranking Candidates
Based on the match score, the ATS ranks all applicants. Only the top-ranked resumes get forwarded to human recruiters.7 Proven Strategies for ATS Success
1. Use a Clean, Simple Format
Do:- Stick to standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Use a single-column layout
- Choose common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Save as .docx or PDF (check the job posting)
- Use tables, text boxes, or columns
- Include images, graphics, or icons
- Use headers or footers for important info
- Get creative with section names
2. Mirror the Job Description Keywords
This is the most critical factor. Study the job posting and incorporate relevant keywords naturally:
Job posting says: "Experience with project management, Agile methodology, and cross-functional team leadership">
Your resume should include: "Led cross-functional teams using Agile methodology to deliver projects on time and under budget"
3. Spell Out Acronyms (And Include Both)
Different ATS systems search differently. Cover your bases:
- "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)"
- "Project Management Professional (PMP)"
- "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)"
4. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers stand out to both ATS and human readers:
- ❌ "Improved sales performance"
- ✅ "Increased sales by 34% in Q3 2024, generating $2.1M in new revenue"
5. Include a Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section with relevant keywords:
Technical Skills: Python, JavaScript, SQL, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Cross-functional Collaboration6. Tailor Every Application
Generic resumes rarely score well. For each application: 1. Analyze the job description 2. Identify the top 10-15 keywords 3. Incorporate them naturally throughout your resume 4. Adjust your summary to match the role
7. Test Your Resume
Before submitting, run your resume through an ATS simulator or use a tool like makecv.ai that automatically optimizes for ATS compatibility.
Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fancy formatting | ATS can't parse it | Use simple, clean layouts |
| Missing keywords | Low match score | Mirror job description language |
| Images/graphics | Completely ignored | Stick to text only |
| Unusual fonts | May not render correctly | Use standard fonts |
| Info in headers | Often skipped by ATS | Keep all content in main body |
The Bottom Line
Writing an ATS-friendly resume isn't about gaming the system—it's about clearly communicating your qualifications in a format that technology can understand. When you optimize for ATS, you're also creating a cleaner, more focused resume that human recruiters will appreciate.
Ready to create an ATS-optimized resume in minutes? Our AI-powered resume builder analyzes job descriptions and automatically tailors your resume for maximum ATS compatibility.